White River Fishing Report 1.22.10 For daily water conditions and lake levels, call the Bull Shoals Powerhouse at (870)431-5311.
Keep this date: February 1st - Opening day of the Catch and Release Area below Bull Shoals Dam. Over the past two weeks the brown trout have been coming off the spawn beds and feeding like crazy. Many browns have been caught on CD7 Rapalas, Smithwick Rogues, Excalibur Shad Lures, and white Zig Jigs. Browns aren't the only trout being caught on these lures. Rainbow trout as well will bite the lures as well as redworms, white egg patterns and white creme worms. Buoyant and Little Cleo spoons along with Rooster Tail spinners are also attracting trophy trout. |
White River (From Shipp’s Ferry to Red’s Landing):
Jim Brentlinger at Linger's Guide Service and Fishing Lodge (870-499-5185) said the weather finally taken a turn for the better, and you can get out on the water. There have been no anglers on the water for a couple of weeks, so the fish are feeling no pressure. Seven generators are running at Bull Shoals. With all the high water, use plenty of weight to get your Power Baits to the bottom and cast your artificial baits right to the bank. Fishing is pretty good and the fish are running a little larger than usual. Be very careful if you decide to fish. The high water makes the river more dangerous than usual.
Buffalo River:
Zachary Hoyt at Just Fishing Guides said water levels are very good in the middle section for fishing. Water temperatures are in the low 40s. Lures fished slowly on the bottom should pick up some smallmouth. Water flows are just a tad high for fly-fishing in the mid- and lower sections.
Crooked Creek:
Zachary Hoyt at Just Fishing Guides said water levels are a little high for fly-fishing, but spin-fishing should be good. Water temps are in the low 40s and the slightly warmer and sunny days will make the fish more active. Soft plastics and jigs fished slowly on the bottom should pick up some good fish.
Norfork Tailwater:
John Berry from Berry Brothers Guide Service said generation has been around the clock, with no wadable water. Brightly colored San Juan worms (red, cerise and hot fluorescent pink) and egg patterns (peach and orange) have been the go-to flies. Long leader tippet combinations and heavy weight have been the secret to success. Work the banks and submerged weed beds. Be on the lookout for a shad kill. Dry Run Creek has fished well. The hot fly has been a sow bug in size 14. Worm brown San Juan worms and egg patterns also have done well. The weather has improved a bit and now is the perfect time to take your youngster to Dry Run.
